Breaking News: Reds acquire intriguing Triple-A pitcher from Red Sox (who’ll remind you of someone)…

In a quietly strategic move that could pay dividends down the stretch, the Cincinnati Reds have acquired a rising Triple-A pitcher from the Boston Red Sox organization—one that may feel oddly familiar to long-time fans.

The pitcher in question? Zachary Maxwell, a 6-foot-5 right-hander with a booming fastball, late-biting slider, and a mound presence that’s already drawing comparisons to a young Michael Lorenzen—the former Reds pitcher known for his dual-threat athleticism and powerful arm.

Maxwell, 24, had been turning heads in Worcester (Boston’s Triple-A affiliate), posting a 2.65 ERA over 37.1 innings with 52 strikeouts and a .190 batting average against. Though his walk rate remains a work in progress, scouts rave about his raw stuff and bulldog mentality. The Reds front office clearly sees untapped potential in the flame-throwing reliever, especially in a bullpen that has struggled with consistency this season.

A Familiar Face in a New Form

What makes Maxwell even more intriguing is the eerie similarity to Lorenzen—both in terms of style and ceiling. Like Lorenzen, Maxwell features a high-90s fastball and relies on a sharp secondary pitch to keep hitters guessing. While Maxwell doesn’t yet boast Lorenzen’s past two-way aspirations, his athleticism and stamina are above average for a reliever, and the Reds believe he could grow into a multi-inning weapon—or perhaps even a spot starter down the line.

“He’s a guy we’ve had our eye on for a while,” said Reds GM Nick Krall. “We like the upside, we like the edge he brings, and we think he’s close to contributing at the major league level.”

The Return and the Rationale

In exchange, the Reds sent minor league utilityman Blake Dunn to the Red Sox—an athletic outfielder with a strong on-base profile but limited power who was blocked in Cincinnati’s increasingly crowded farm system. The deal is seen as a win-win: Boston gets a high-energy, versatile position player, while the Reds bolster a bullpen that has logged some of the most innings in the National League this season.

Maxwell is expected to report to the Reds’ Triple-A affiliate in Louisville but could be a call-up candidate if Cincinnati’s bullpen needs reinforcements in the second half.

Looking Ahead

With the NL Central still wide open, the Reds’ move to secure a high-upside arm like Maxwell is a clear signal: they’re not waiting until the deadline to tweak the roster. If he pans out, Maxwell could be one of those under-the-radar pickups that fans look back on as a pivotal moment.

For now, Reds fans might just feel a twinge of déjà vu watching this towering righty work the mound—because if you squint a bit, you could almost swear Michael Lorenzen is back in town.